The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 437

Chapter 437: Chapter 433: Dan Yangzi Chapter 437: Chapter 433: Dan Yangzi As Shen Luo entered this neighborhood, he felt that the spiritual energy here was much denser than elsewhere, and a powerful force – akin to a coiled dragon resting in an abyss – seemed to emanate from the left side area. He quickly realized that it was coming from the Imperial City.

If his memory served him right, the Great Tang Dynasty Government's establishment was also nearby. With these two powerful presences keeping watch, there couldn't be a safer place.

“The spiritual energy in this place is abundant, the environment serene, and it is close to the Imperial City, ensuring its safety. It's an ideal place for both alchemy and cultivation. Master Shen, if you like it here, you could consider moving your residence over, I can help you find a place.” Ma Xiuxiu suggested.

“That won't be necessary, I'm used to living the way I please. If I stay in such an orderly neighborhood, I would find it hard to sleep,” Shen Luo returned with a laugh.

“I didn't think Master Shen was one to joke around.” Ma Xiuxiu covered her mouth and chuckled.

As their casual conversation continued, they arrived at the entrance of a mansion. Flanking the mansion's gate were two fire lion statues, each more than a person's height.

Off to the side of the main gate was a pavilion. Five people sat around the stone table inside, their gazes occasionally drifting towards the closed gate, their expressions filled with anxiety.

“Who are these people?” Shen Luo asked curiously.

“Master Dan Yangzi is famous for his alchemy in Chang'an City. These people are probably here to ask him to concoct pills. We don't need to mind them,” Ma Xiuxiu barely glanced at them, heading straight for the gate and knocking on the door.

A moment later, the tightly shut gate creaked open slightly. A young girl with her hair done up in a tiny braid peeked out. she looked to be only seven or eight years old, chubby and cute like a porcelain doll, extremely endearing.

“Sister Ma,” The girl saw Ma Xiuxiu and excited color appeared on her small face, suggesting they knew each other rather well.

However, her face turned cautious immediately after seeing Shen Luo behind Ma Xiuxiu. She began examining him from head to toe.

“This is Master Shen. He is a friend. We are here to see Master Dan Yangzi as we had previously agreed to. Little Su, is the master free now?” Ma Xiuxiu ruffled the girl's hair affectionately before inquiring.

“So it is Elder Shen, I apologize for my rudeness. My grandfather has just completed his alchemy and is resting in his room. You may follow me,” The girl bowed to Shen Luo and led him and Ma Xiuxiu inside, exuding a mature air beyond her years.

The sight agitated the people in the pavilion outside.

Dan Yangzi was famous for his alchemy, but just as renowned were his eccentric personality quirks. If he took a liking to someone, he could concoct pills for them free of charge. However, if he didn't care for someone, no amount of Immortal jade could sway him.

Despite their wait outside for over ten days, they hadn't even been able to step foot past the doorstep. Shen Luo and Ma Xiuxiu, on the other hand, had been let in immediately.

“Big brother, you have seen a lot of the world, do you know who those two are?” Among the five of them, a woman in a green dress was the first to ask the scholarly robed old man.

“By the look of their appearances and their conversation, the young girl is likely Ma Xiuxiu, a rising star from Treasure Hall. However, I don't recognize the man,” The scholarly robed old man replied after some contemplation.

“Seeing as how those two so easily gained access and appear to be on good terms with Master Dan Yangzi, perhaps we could approach them regarding our matter,” said a white-robed youth holding a gold-painted fan, who was seated next to the old man.

“Second brother is right,” The others agreed, their eyes lighting up.

At the moment, Shen Luo and Ma Xiuxiu were led by the young girl to a reception hall inside.

The hall was tastefully furnished, at the center of which was a set of purple sandalwood furniture. The craftsmanship was very detailed, an obvious mark of a master. Hanging on the hall's walls were several landscapes scroll paintings. In the corners of the room, aromatic incense burned, offering a calming atmosphere to anyone breathing it in -clearly a high-grade ingredient.

“Sister Ma, you two have a seat here while I go to get grandfather.” The girl, seeming rather adept at making small talk with guests, promptly served them a cup of spiritual tea each before quickly leaving for the inner rooms.

“Such a clever child. Is she Master Dan Yangzi's granddaughter?” Shen Luo looked after the girl's departing figure, reminded of his little sister back home.

“No, Master Dan Yangzi devoted his life and time to the Dao of Alchemy without ever starting his own family. This girl was found by the master during one of his trips. Seeing her lonely and destitute, he brought her back with him,” Ma Xiuxiu explained.

“Master Dan Yangzi indeed has a benevolent heart,” Shen Luo complimented.

“It's true what they say about good deeds are rewarded. Little Su is not only exceedingly good-natured but also possesses a high aptitude for alchemy. Given time, she could perhaps become yet another master,” Ma Xiuxiu agreed with a smile.

Shen Luo, hearing this, couldn't help but look surprised.

Alchemy required exceptional talent. As he understood it, to become an alchemy master, one first needed to possess a fierce flame, then a strong spiritual force, followed by sufficient comprehension. Lastly, it required substantial financial backing to facilitate repeated alchemy trials and yielding eventual success.

Even though he had the assistance of Dreamland which allowed him to learn many things rapidly, he didn't dare try becoming an alchemy master.

“Hehe, Miss Xiuxiu, you're mistaken. I could hardly accept having such a reputation for kindness. Besides, I merely felt a connection with the girl all those years ago, which is why I saved her. Otherwise, if I had felt no connection at all, even if she were to cry and kneel before my door for three days and three nights, I still would not have lifted a finger.” At that moment, a voice echoed from inside the house.

Before his words could fully register, a tall old man with white hair but a youthful face walked out.

“Master Dan Yangzi,” Ma Xiuxiu immediately stood up, bowed, and respectfully greeted.

Shen Luo quickly followed suit.

“So, you are Shen Luo.” Dan Yangzi gave a slight nod to Ma Xiuxiu before turning his attention to Shen Luo.

“Yes, I am Shen Luo,” Shen Luo confirmed with a nod.

“Brother Shen, due to my actions, you were previously put in danger; I apologize for that,” His face somber with remorse, Dan Yangzi gave Shen Luo a half-bow in apology.

“Please, Master Dan Yangzi, there's no need for this. That matter has already passed. and moreover, that day it was me who decided to proceed, so it really had nothing much to do with you,” Shen Luo quickly helped him straighten up, and in return, gave him a respectful bow.

The man was an elder, moreover, he was a respected alchemy master. For him to humble himself and apologize to a young man like himself was rare enough already.

Shen Luo accepted the apology, irrespective of whether it was sincere or done under the pressure from the Great Tang Dynasty Government.

On top of this, he needed to ask Dan Yangzi to concoct pills for him, it was all the more crucial to maintain good relations.

“As long as Brother Shen does not hold it against me, I'm relieved. I heard from Xiuxiu that Brother Shen wants me to concoct a medicine using Thousand-Year Spirit Milk. To show my sincerity, I'm willing to refine the Milk Spirit Pill for Brother Shen free of charge,” Dan Yangzi did not insist any further and made the offer after a pause.